To my dedicated readers, many of you are aware that my writing journey has spanned numerous publications over the years. Before I began contributing to established outlets such as Examiner, AXS, and Yahoo!, I delved deeply into the world of freelance writing, where I honed my craft and even produced content for independent job sites and now-defunct content farms. I have been dedicated to writing throughout my life, starting with journaling and storytelling at the age of six. Since, I entered the digital writing landscape in 2006, it has transformed into a vital and integral component of my identity, leveraging technology to reach and engage a broader audience and earn an extra yet honest income in the process. Truth be told, this journey has been both exhilarating and enlightening yet chaotic and frustrating, which is why I remain committed to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of content creation.
As technology advances and artificial intelligence becomes increasingly prevalent, the challenge of keeping pace with these changes is undeniable. The influence of the written word is so profound that it can evoke a spectrum of emotions and fundamentally reshape lives, for better or worse. While actions may resonate more prominently, the written word harnesses a remarkable capacity to inspire and catalyze change in an increasingly interconnected world. Yet, I find myself continually drawn to the enduring power of the written word. My blog was created as a digital sanctuary for my thoughts and opinions, a reverie or space where I can express myself freely—a commitment I made to you—my readers, years ago.
Throughout the years, I have been invited to contribute to various publications, only to encounter instances where my work was not published due to claims of misalignment with their brand and platform. Notably, I submitted a political article that expressed my support for President Donald Trump, which was rejected despite my efforts to maintain a critique with a neutral tone regarding several public figures and resistance from them. This experience has illuminated a concerning trend: the increasing suppression of diverse viewpoints in favor of a more homogenized narrative.
I wrestled with the unsettling notion of censorship, which led me to question my own capabilities as a writer. I recognize that writing is not a pursuit suited for everyone and not all should engage in it. Nevertheless, every individual possesses the right to express their thoughts, as long as their expressions do not inflict harm or incite violence against those with differing perspectives. After careful reflection, I ultimately recognized that I possess the skills necessary to write anything I want and that I have an inherent right to express my thoughts and ideas freely. I reflected on the potential resistance I might encounter because I have encountered such in the past and came to understand that it was largely rooted in their animosity toward me and my divergent perspectives, rather than any substantive critique of the content I produce. Those of you who perceive me as a subpar writer continue to read my work, which, in the end, constitutes a victory for me.
Over the years, I have faced resistance from internet sleuths who have tried virtually everything to silence me. The ad hominem attacks I received from the sofa slayers were simply indicative of their own insecurities, foibles, and shortcomings that define them not me. One thing I have noticed is that slander frequently serves as a weapon of choice when a debate is lost and in that sense, I ultimately triumphed. Two of the true crime sleuths, consumed by their obsession on a crime case, even developed a web series in collaboration with other online individuals who share their same animosity toward me to appear as victims of their own misconduct. Their objective was to defame my character and propagate a narrative that depicts me as unstable, mentally ill, and a menace to society—all due to my differing perspective and opinion on a specific crime case. They have even gone so far as to commend and praise actual felons and criminals while inciting online mobs to attack me for conducting an interview with a woman whose daughter was tragically murdered in late 2011.
However, the truth is that their efforts have ultimately failed. The majority recognize the reality of the situation and can discern the irrationality and instability that characterize their behavior. Many see through their agenda, as well as, their manipulative paraphrasing and vitriolic conduct, and have come to understand it as what it truly is—slander. While some individuals may be swayed by their fabricated narratives and bullshit stories, those misguided followers have resorted to threats against me over the years. Nevertheless, I remain resolute and continue to write despite their unfounded lies, petty intimidation, banal ad hominem, and other failed attempts to silence me. They are losers and the vast majority of status quo is increasingly aware of the truth.
I truly believe that every individual has the right to express their views, just as I am committed to using my voice for a greater purpose. This fundamental principle is what truly illuminates the essence of human rights. This is precisely why I write and will continue to do so for as long as I am able. My love for writing is rooted in the joy of articulating and projecting my thoughts freely. With the recent legislation enacted earlier this year in the state of Idaho, I can express my opinions without the looming threat of frivolous litigation or petty intimidation from individuals who seek to exploit the system out of laziness and entitlement. I write because I have the capacity to do so and the act of writing brings me profound fulfillment. I will steadfastly continue on this path.
With this said, I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to you—my loyal readers who have stood by me through thick and thin and through black and blue. Your support empowers me not only as a content creator, but also as a woman with a distinct voice, vision, and message. I am committed to advocating for my rights and the principles of free expression, as I take pride in my identity as an Iranian-American woman. Thank you for your unwavering support throughout the years and reading my blog. I appreciate you.
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